Taranaki hunting spots you can’t miss: types of hunting and animals, laws and regulations in the region, season, hunting season, associations and clubs Terrain and natural properties of the area: unique ecosystems that attract hunters The Taranaki region is formed by the extinct volcano Taranaki (2518 m), surrounded by the Egmont National Park. Its slopes are covered with subalpine meadows and forests, home to deer and wild boar. To the west are fertile plains and marshes suitable for waterfowl hunting. The Waitara and Mokau rivers attract ducks and geese, and the Tasman Sea coastline attracts seabirds. Taranaki: hunter demographics Taranaki is home to about 130,000 people, of whom about 5-7% hunt regularly. The majority are men between the ages of 25-55, but there are a growing number of women and youth involved in wildlife population management. Features of hunting in Taranaki: techniques that make hunting a real challenge - Terrain : Steep volcano slopes require physical fitness but offer a chance to harvest trophy deer. - Climate : Temperate, with heavy precipitation in winter. The best time for hunting is the dry periods from March to October. - Accessibility : Many areas are state-owned, but hunting on private land requires permission from the owner. Types of hunting and animals - Trophy hunting : Red deer (up to 300kg, trophies are antlers up to 1m long). Sambar (large deer with dark fur). - Sport hunting : Wild boar (up to 150kg, common in forests). Quail and pheasant (hunting with dogs). - Commercial : Canada goose and black-bellied loon. Hunting seasons in Taranaki - Deer : March-April (yearling), August-September (summer hunting). - Wild boars : All year round, but the best time is winter. - Birds : May-June (game birds), September-November (geese). Associations and clubs where everyone can find advice or a friend - Taranaki Hunting and Fishing Club : Organises competitions and teaches safety rules. - Sporting Shooters Association of New Zealand (SSA NZ) : Provides training in shooting and environmental management. Hunting laws and regulations in the region - A hunting licence ($20 to $100 per year) is required. - Poisons and automatic weapons are prohibited. - A DOC (New Zealand Department of Conservation) permit is required to hunt wild boar. Taranaki traditions: historical roots going back centuries - Local Māori tribes, especially Te Atiawa , historically hunted birds (such as the Cape) with traps and spears. Modern hunters often combine traditional methods with technology, such as using GPS trackers in the mountains. - Powder and Feathers Ritual : Before duck hunting, some local hunters leave offerings (bird feathers) at the foot of the volcano - a tribute to the spirits of nature. Interesting facts that reveal the secrets of hunting skill - In 2019, a sambar with horns 52 cm long was harvested at the foot of Taranaki - a regional record. - The use of aerosol attractants is banned in Egmont National Park to preserve the ecosystem. - ‘Fog Hunting’ : Local guides offer night outings for wild boars during periods of thick fog, when the animals come out to the rivers. - Oldest trophy : The New Plymouth Museum holds a 1912 red deer antler from the town's founder. - Ecological balance : 30% of the region is set aside as ‘quiet zones’ - areas where hunting is prohibited to restore bird populations. - Hunting and film : In 2021, Taranaki was the location for a documentary film, Shadows of Taranaki, about Māori's connection to nature.